[Buckskin86]

A wait on his shoulders
Delay makes Oden more eager to play
By Marc J. Spears
Globe Staff / June 8, 2008

"Prior to the wrist, I didn't have anything; I missed one game and that's because I had a severe sore throat," said Oden with a laugh. "I've matured so much. There is some good that has come out of it. It's helped me out. I've calmed myself down coming into the league."

Itching to get back on the court, Oden played in a pickup game at a 24-Hour Fitness March 27 in Tualatin, Ore. The Trail Blazers found out about it through an Internet report and expressed strong disappointment in the 20-year-old.

The Blazers will continue to be extra cautious with Oden. Before he began summer school back at Ohio State, a Blazers assistant coach and trainer conducted basketball workouts and weightlifting sessions with Oden in Indianapolis. Oden says he will not play in summer league and doesn't expect to be in a game again until the preseason.

"I'm a competitor," Oden said. "I want to be out there and help the team win. Not being able to compete, it's just hard on me. That's why I went out there when I did and kind of got in trouble for going to the 24-Hour Fitness.

"But I've wanted to play. I haven't played in so long

"[The Blazers are] watching me. If I can collect everybody's camera phones, we can get a game in. Other than that, I just have to calm down and do what I'm supposed to do.

"I know I'm an investment. I know I'm looked at as a big part of helping the franchise win. So they are just looking out for me and making sure nothing happens to me."

And if you thought Oden was physically imposing already, wait till you see him next season.

"These shirts that I used to wear, they are just not fitting right no more," he said. "I feel like the guy who wears tight shirts once he gets big. But they weren't this tight when I first got them. I don't mind showing off my muscles."

A wait on his shoulders - The Boston Globe